Renter's Guide to Colorado Springs

Known for its beautiful mountain views, outdoor activities, and local brewing companies, Colorado Springs is a mid-size city in the midst of the Rocky Mountains. It was ranked 1st among Pet Friendly Cities by Forbes, and is considered the second best city for veterans to live in.

There is a large military presence in Colorado Springs, as it is home to several Army and Air Force bases, with the United States Air Force Academy being located nearby. The military is the largest employer in the Colorado Springs area.

Colorado Springs is the second-largest city in the state of Colorado – outsized only by Denver. Compared to Boulder, Colorado Springs is four times larger and with four times the population.

The distance from Colorado Springs to Denver makes for a one-and-a-half hour drive, and the drive to Boulder is approximately two hours.

Colorado Springs is slightly smaller than Denver. Compared to San Antonio, Texas, Colorado Springs is three times smaller with barely 1/3 of its population and, admittedly, less ethnically diverse.

In the summer, the average temperature is 81°F and the climate is dry and sunny. During the winter the average temperature is 42°F, and the city gets an annual average of 41 inches of snow, nearly twice the national average of 25 inches. The weather is mild during the spring and fall months, which are both popular tourist seasons.

Be aware that Colorado Springs can get very cold in the winter – with lots of snow –which can make it hard to drive in the cold winter months.

Colorado Springs, CO Demographics

Total Population482,132

Female237,090

Male245,041

Median Age34.04

Cost of Living in Colorado Springs, CO

The most accessible means of public transportation is the Mountain Metro public bus system. Bus fares for adults ages 19 to 59 cost $1.75. Kids and young adults aged 6 to 18 ride for $0.85, while children under the age of 5 are free to ride, if accompanied by a paying adult. Senior citizens and disabled individuals may also ride for a discounted price of $0.85.

There are also several private taxicab services in the city, including Springs Cab and Colorado Springs Cab Service. The average commute time in Colorado is 22 minutes, slightly under the national average of 25.5 minutes.

A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs approximately $50, and a regular cappuccino is $4.64.

On average, Colorado Springs residents can expect to pay approximately $132 per month for utilities.

Overall, the cost of living in Colorado Springs corresponds with the national average, and there is no income tax.

Colorado Springs, CO Average Rent

Colorado Springs, CO Average Rental Price, December, 2016$960/mo

Studio$643

1 Bedroom$863

2 Bedrooms$1,055

Colorado Springs, CO Apartment Rent Ranges

1%< $500

14%$501-$700

42%$701-$1,000

38%$1,001-$1,500

4%$1,501-$2,000

Colorado Springs, CO Rent Trends

All Rentals

Studio

1 Bed

2 Beds

3 Beds

Average Rent

December, 2016

$960

$643

$863

$1,055

May / 2016

$915

$618

$828

$1,007

Jan / 2016

$875

$577

$793

$965

Sept / 2015

$873

$597

$785

$952

May / 2015

$837

$549

$746

$921

Jan / 2015

$814

$572

$743

$890

Sept / 2014

$815

$523

$739

$902

May / 2014

$791

$504

$702

$878

Jan / 2014

$774

$491

$666

$856

Sept / 2013

$762

$513

$690

$855

May / 2013

$739

$480

$657

$835

Jan / 2013

$732

$494

$652

$820

/

Average rent is projected to grow by 6% in 2016 compared to 2015.

Please note that projected rent growth is calculated at city level.

Average rent values on this page are aggregated from data from the following zip codes: 809038090480905809068090780909809108091480915809168091780918809198092080921809228092380924809258092780929809388093980951

Living in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is surrounded by beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains and its residents tend to gravitate to the outdoors, not to mention towards popular local spots – such as breweries and coffee shops. The nightlife in Colorado Springs is eclectic and centered around its bars and breweries. The city is also a great place for families to settle down, and there are plenty of options for people who like to hike, ski, and hunt.

Things to do in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs has many points of interest, including several stunning outdoor attractions. Couples can relax at the beautiful Broadmoor resort, which boasts an award-winning spa and golf course. Couples and families alike will enjoy Pikes Peak, an iconic place to hike and mountain bike. The Garden of the Gods is a unique public park with activities for the whole family to enjoy. Other local parks include Palmer Park and Red Rocks Canyon. In addition to spending time in nature, visitors and residents alike can spend time at Pike’s Peak Center for the Performing Arts at a concert or play, or watch a minor league Rockies baseball game at the Security Service field.

Families with young children may also enjoy trips to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo or the Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum. There are also many places to shop in Colorado Springs. The Citadel is not only the area’s largest mall, but one of the largest in the state of Colorado.

If you are in the market for antiques, visit the American Classics Marketplace, or shop at the Broadmoor Galleries for different types of unique art. Free attractions in Colorado Springs include the Olympic Training Center, the United States Air Force Academy, the aforementioned Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum, and all of the public parks and hiking trails in the area.

Annual events include the Meadowgrass Music Festival and Springs Beer Fest.

Employment in Colorado Springs

The military, aerospace engineering, electronic, and tourism are the most prominent industries in Colorado Springs. Fort Carson Army Base, Fort Peterson Air Force Base, The United States Air Force Academy, and North American Air Defense Command are noteworthy employers in the area.

Colorado Springs, CO Education Statistics

3%No High School

7%Some HighSchool

32%Some College

12%Associate Degree

28%Bachelor Degree

17%Graduate Degree

Tips for Renting in Colorado Springs

In Colorado, there are no rental control regulations, meaning that landlords can charge their tenants according to market conditions. However, tenants who sign a lease agreement cannot be forced to pay a different rental amount until their lease ends.

Most Expensive Rental

Least Expensive Rental

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